Arkansas Police Chiefs Endorse ALPRs as Cities Opt Out
Despite several Arkansas cities discontinuing their use, the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police has publicly endorsed automated license plate readers.
The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) has issued a statement supporting the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs), including those from Flock Safety. This endorsement comes as several communities in the state have decided to stop using the surveillance technology. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported on the AACP's position.
The AACP's news release emphasized its "strong support for the lawful, ethical, accountable, and transparent use" of ALPRs. The organization described the cameras as "a modern tool that enhances public safety across Arkansas communities." This stance aligns with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which also backs ALPRs when used with safeguards.
What does this mean for drivers in Arkansas?
For drivers, this endorsement signals that law enforcement agencies in Arkansas are likely to continue deploying ALPRs, and potentially expand their use, despite a growing public debate. If you drive in Arkansas, it means your license plate information may be collected and analyzed by these cameras. Our interactive map can help you identify areas where ALPRs are known to be active. You can also learn more about how ALPRs work and their impact on privacy.
ALPRs capture images of license plates, along with other vehicle details, and compare them against databases of vehicles linked to:
- Stolen vehicle reports
- Missing or endangered individuals
- Violent crimes and other serious offenses
According to the AACP, the technology helps law enforcement by generating investigative leads, improving officer safety, and aiding in the rapid recovery of stolen vehicles. They believe it allows departments to use limited resources more effectively and strengthens emergency response times.
Why are some cities removing ALPRs?
The AACP's endorsement arrives as a number of Arkansas cities have recently decided to discontinue their use of Flock Safety cameras. Since July alone, at least seven cities have announced they will stop using the technology:
- Searcy
- Cabot
- Mayflower
- Greers Ferry
- Centerton
- Farmington
- Pea Ridge
These decisions often stem from concerns raised by residents and local officials regarding privacy and civil liberties. The increasing backlash against ALPRs across the U.S. highlights a tension between perceived public safety benefits and individual privacy rights. Gary Sipes, executive director of the AACP, stated that the organization issued its endorsement due to what he called "so much misinformation" about the technology. He believes the benefits outweigh any harm, and dismissed the idea that officers use the system to track citizens as "just not true."
However, reports from other news outlets, including The Washington Post, have documented instances of police officers misusing ALPR data for personal reasons, such as tracking former romantic partners. In Little Rock, over 100 Flock ALPRs are installed, alongside cameras from another company, SkyCop. The Little Rock Police Department has not indicated whether it will reconsider its use of the technology.
Flock Safety recently announced a change to its default data retention policy, reducing it from 30 days to seven days. However, local customers can still choose their own retention periods. Drivers can contribute to our understanding of ALPR deployment by identifying cameras they encounter or contributing information about local policies.